The Calgary Flames have signed defenceman Joni Jurmo to an entry-level contract, following a trade that sent center Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks. The Flames acquired Jurmo’s rights along with forward Andrei Kuzmenko, prospect Hunter Brzustewicz, Vancouver’s first-round pick, and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2024 NHL draft. Jurmo, 21, was originally a third-round pick by Vancouver in 2020, and the Flames’ general manager, Craig Conroy, expressed excitement about Jurmo’s potential and development within the organization.
Standing at six-foot-five and weighing 210 pounds, Jurmo split this season between Ilves and KooKoo in Finland’s top division. During this time, he recorded a goal and four assists, along with 14 penalty minutes and a plus-three rating. Additionally, Jurmo represented Finland in the 2022 world junior men’s hockey championship final in Edmonton, where they lost to Canada in overtime. The Flames are hopeful that Jurmo’s size, mobility, skating ability, and defensive skills will make him a valuable asset to the team as he continues to grow and develop.
Jurmo’s contract with the Flames spans two years and carries an average annual value of $850,000. This signing represents the team’s commitment to investing in young defensive talent, as Jurmo joins a roster that already includes promising prospects. With his entry into the NHL, Jurmo brings a wealth of experience from playing in Finland and on the international stage, which will aid in his transition to North American hockey. The Flames expect Jurmo to make significant contributions to the team’s defensive core and play an integral role in their future success.
The trade that brought Jurmo to Calgary not only solidified the Flames’ defensive depth but also provided them with additional assets to bolster their lineup. By acquiring Kuzmenko, Brzustewicz, and draft picks, the Flames have positioned themselves well for the future. These moves demonstrate the team’s commitment to building a competitive and sustainable roster that can contend for championships in the coming seasons. With Jurmo’s signing, the Flames have further strengthened their defensive options and added another talented player to their organization.
Flames general manager Craig Conroy emphasized the importance of adding Jurmo to the team and expressed confidence in his abilities on the ice. Conroy highlighted Jurmo’s size, mobility, and defensive skills as key attributes that will benefit the Flames both now and in the future. By signing Jurmo to an entry-level contract, the Flames have secured a promising young player who has the potential to make a significant impact in the NHL. As Jurmo continues to develop and hone his skills, the Flames will be watching closely to see how he progresses and contributes to the team’s success on the ice.
In signing Joni Jurmo to an entry-level contract, the Calgary Flames have made a strategic move to strengthen their defensive lineup and invest in future talent. With the trade that brought Jurmo to Calgary, along with other valuable assets, the Flames have positioned themselves for success in the seasons to come. Jurmo’s signing represents a significant step in the team’s ongoing efforts to build a competitive and skilled roster that can compete at the highest level. As Jurmo continues to develop and grow within the organization, the Flames will benefit from his contributions on the ice and his potential to become a key player for the team in the future.
